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Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly requested that Manchester United let him leave should they receive a satisfactory offer this summer, just one season after sensationally re-joining the club.
The 37-year-old only returned to Old Trafford from Serie A giants Juventus last summer.
Ronaldo went on to score 24 goals in all competitions last season, 18 of those coming in the Premier League – which saw him finish as the third top scorer in the division.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly requested that Manchester United let him leave this summer
The Portuguese superstar’s decision is said to be driven by his desire to play in the Champions League for the remainder of his career, according to The Times.
United failed to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition following a dismal Premier League season and will instead play in the Europa League next season.
Ronaldo has been part of 19 consecutive Champions League seasons since leaving Sporting Lisbon for English football in the summer of 2003.
The forward has made 183 appearances in the competition, notching 140 goals and adding a further 42 assists in that time.
The 37-year-old forward’s decision is driven by his desire to play in the Champions League
He has never played in the Europa League, which United qualified for after finishing sixth in the Premier League.
The Portugal international believes he still has ‘three or four years’ left at the highest level of the game, The Times reported.
The reports also suggest Ronaldo would like to spend that time at a club where he is capable of adding to his team and individual achievements.
The Portugal international believes he still has ‘three or four years’ left at the highest level
Portuguese outlet Record also previously reported a heavily frustrated Ronaldo is ready to quit the north-west side due to their apparent lack of transfer ambition.
Ronaldo’s affection for United’s support remains as strong as ever, according to close friends.
Therefore the forward is keen on pursuing a transfer on sporting grounds, but there are also personal reasons for leaving Manchester after a difficult period for his young family.
There are also personal reasons for leaving Manchester after a difficult period for his family
In October 2021 Cristiano and Georgina revealed they were expecting twins but tragically their son died at birth on April 18, but their daughter survived.
Following the devastating stillbirth, the couple and their other children returned home with their newborn daughter, days after the footballer confirmed his partner had lost the child’s twin brother.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Chelsea have already expressed an interest in signing the experienced forward.
According to The Athletic, Napoli are also understood to be interested.
Ronaldo is under contract with United until the summer of 2023 with an option for a further year.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly even met Ronaldo’s representatives Gestifute last month
United will be hoping to the recoup the £12.9million they paid out last summer to bring him back to Old Trafford.
Chelsea are thought to be keen to make the star forward their marquee signing this summer as they embark on a new era under the ownership of Todd Boehly.
The American met Ronaldo’s representatives Gestifute last month in hope of securing a deal for the five-time Champions League winner.
Bayern are said to have put their interest on hold until Robert Lewandowski’s sale to Barcelona has been agreed, but both parties currently remain far apart in the possible deal.
New United boss Erik ten Hag, however, previously stated that he wants to play an attacking style and sees Ronaldo playing a key role despite the fact he is looking to bring in another forward and lower the age of the squad.
New United boss Erik ten Hag has previously stated that he sees Ronaldo playing a key role
It now looks unlikely that the Dutchman will be able to persuade Ronaldo to remain at Old Trafford next season. Ten Hag began pre-season training with his new side earlier this week.
The latest report comes just weeks after Ronaldo told club media he was happy to be at United. ‘I was – and still am – very happy to be here,’ he said.
Ten Hag may have to begin planning his United side without the forward, which will leave them extremely light in attack, having seen Edinson Cavani already depart upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
United have struggled to bring in any new signings so far since Ten Hag’s arrival and another departure could be a major setback.
But they are close to signing Feyenoord right-back Tyrell Malacia and are hoping to agree a deal with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
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